Prevalence of dementia, heart disease and stroke in community-dwelling adults in Canada, 2016-2021: opportunities for joint prevention.

Introduction: This aim of this study is to provide updated estimates on the prevalence of dementia, heart disease, and stroke in Canadian communities. Targeting all three conditions together, at the community level, may be key to disease prevention and health aging in the Canadian population.

Methods: Using nationwide health survey data, we calculated the age-standardized prevalence of self-reported dementia, heart disease and stroke in adults aged 18 years and over residing in Canadian communities from 2016 to 2021.

Influence of the Social Environment on Ideal Cardiovascular Health.

Background The environment plays a large role in the health of individuals; however, more research is needed to better understand aspects of the environment that most influence health. Specifically, our study examines how the social environment influences cardiovascular health (CVH). Methods and Results The social environment was characterized using measures of belonging and life and work stress in individuals, as well as nationally derived measures of marginalization, deprivation, economic status, and community well-being in neighborhoods.

Geographic variation in preventable hospitalisations across Canada: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the magnitude and pattern of small-area geographic variation in rates of preventable hospitalisations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSC) across Canada (excluding Québec).

Design And Setting: A cross-sectional study conducted in Canada (excluding Québec) using data from the 2006 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (CanCHEC) linked prospectively to hospitalisation records from the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) for the three fiscal years: 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.

Primary Outcome Measure: Preventable hospitalisations (ACSC).

Subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular health, and disease risk: is there a case for the Cardiovascular Health Index in the primary prevention population?

Background: Current primary prevention guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prioritize risk identification, risk stratification using clinical and risk scores, and risk reduction with lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy. Subclinical atherosclerosis is an early indicator of atherosclerotic burden and its timely recognition can slow or prevent progression to CVD. Thus, individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis are a priority for primary prevention.

Beneficial Pleiotropic Antidepressive Effects of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Interventions in the Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Although the increased prevalence and severity of clinical depression and elevated cardiovascular disease risk represent 2 vexing public health issues, the growing awareness of their combined presentation compounds the challenge. The obese Zucker rat, a model of the metabolic syndrome, spontaneously develops significant depressive symptoms in parallel with the progression of the metabolic syndrome and, thus, represents a compelling model for study. The primary objective was to assess the impact on both cardiovascular outcomes, specifically vascular structure and function, and depressive symptoms in obese Zucker rats after aggressive treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors with long-term exercise or targeted pharmacological interventions.

Healthcare resource availability and cardiovascular health in the USA.

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the USA. Reducing the population-level burden of CVD disease will require a better understanding and support of cardiovascular health (CVH) in individuals and entire communities. The objectives for this study were to examine associations between community-level healthcare resources (HCrRes) and CVH in individuals and entire communities.

Changes in Cardiovascular Health in the United States, 2003-2011.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, making improving cardiovascular health a key population health goal. As part of efforts to achieve this, the American Heart Association has developed the first comprehensive cardiovascular health index (CVHI). Our objective was to investigate the changes in CVHI in US states from 2003 to 2011.